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Normalling is a wiring scheme whereby a signal path is established from one audio device to another without the use of a patch cord. This is known as the “normal path.” The normal path between a pair of jacks is most commonly wired internally from the source jack (Row 1) to the destination jack (Row 2). All of our jacks are available in two types: jacks with normal switches (normalling jacks), and jacks without normal switches (non-normalling jacks).

Normalling Jack

Non-Normalling Jack

Plugging a patch cord into one of the normalling jacks will break the normal switch connections, allowing the user to reroute the signal path through the patch cord. When the patch cord is unplugged from the jack, the normal path is restored. Normal paths may be installed all at once or may be field-configured as the equipment changes.

Grounding Options

We can also meet your grounding requirements in a number of different ways:

Grounds Not Bussed (N). All jacks are isolated and each independent ground is brought out to rear termination.

Grounds Bussed (B). All jacks are bussed together, making a common ground. This common ground is then routed to a binding post at the rear of the panel.

Grounds Vertically Strapped (GVS). The grounds of each vertical jack-pair are connected. Horizontally, the grounds of these vertical jack-pairings are still isolated. This allows the user to maintain a solid ground path from source to destination for each vertical pair of jacks.

Grounded to Specific Application. If you need one row bussed and the other not, or have another method you need implemented, we will accommodate to meet your requirements. Consult our factory.

Sleeve Normalling

Patchbays with sleeve-normalling jacks are more essential these days, due to increased use of condenser microphones (which require a constant power supply). These microphones receive their required DC Power supply through the balanced audio signal lines and the ground line of the microphone cord. Voltage is applied to both the hot(+) and cold(-) wires, and is returned to the power supply by the shield (ground) wire. This method of supplying power to a microphone is known as phantom power

In a typical normalled patchbay, only Tip and Ring normals are needed for a normal path (see p. 6), and the sleeves are either bussed or ignored. When making a connection requiring phantom power through a normalled patchbay, you need to provide that channel with a discrete, normalled ground path as well. During unpatched operation, you have to normal the sleeve of the source to the sleeve of the destination jack to maintain a complete power circuit, since the sleeve returns the DC voltage to the power supply. When patched, all three normal contacts must be broken to avoid directing that channel’s phantom power to multiple sources.

 

Everything Out (TYPE 1).
An “Everything Out” signal path is the most flexible of all normalling types. Instead of wiring the normal paths internally, all contacts (TRS and normals) from both top and bottom jacks are brought out to separate rear termination points, giving the user full control of the normalling scheme at the rear of the panel.

Full-Normalled (TYPE 1).
A “Full-Normalled” signal path occurs when a pair of normalling jacks are wired together at the normals. This normal signal path can be interrupted and redirected by plugging a patch cord into either jack.

Half-Normalled (TYPE 2).
A “Half-Normalled” signal path occurs when the Tip(+) and Ring(-) connections of a non-normalling jack (source) are wired respectively to the Tip Normal and Ring Normal connections of a normalling jack (destination). Plugging a patch cord into the source jack (Row 1) allows the user to monitor the source signal without interrupting the normal path. The normal path can be interrupted and redirected only by inserting a plug into the destination jack (Row 2).

Non-Normalled (TYPE 3).
A “Non-Normalled” signal path occurs when both the source and destination jacks are non-normalling jacks. Since there are no normal connections on the jacks, there can be no normal path; the signal moves straight through and cannot be interrupted via the insertion of a patch cord.